Mombasa Coast holidays - travel guide - activities & sights

The warm, tropical waters of the Indian Ocean are an irresistible draw to water lovers; there is no better way to explore this environment than to strap on a mask and snorkel and go for a swim! Snorkelling in the clear, blue waters of these waters provide a breathtaking introduction to marine life. The best times for diving in Kenya is December through March, with many seasonal species, such as the Whale shark and Manta ray, making their visits during this time. Long, fringing reefs run along the shore, offering drift dives, drop-offs and a large variety of marine habitats within one small area.

What could be more magical than floating over herds of wildlife in the Masai Mara in a colourful hot air balloon? It's the best way to see the game and the savannah plains. Balloon flights start shortly after dawn when the air is cool and calm and the animals are at their most active. Blowing up the balloon is part of the experience and once up in the air you'll be able to watch the sunrise over the plains. The flight is magically silent, except for the hiss of the burner as the pilot steers the balloon over the tree tops and woodland, dipping down to get closer to the game on the plains.

Relax on a romantic evening trip aboard a traditional dhow and enjoy the perfect combination of good food, music and romantic atmosphere as you cruise in Mombasa Old Habour. Highlights include a sumptuous seafood meal, dancing under the stars and a gentle sail past the peaceful creeks of Mombasa Island.

Kenya's coast is lined with tropical white-sand beaches and colourful coral reefs both north and south of Mombasa. To the south, many hotels border Diani beach, a natural paradise of silvery sands fringed by palms and spectacular coral reefs perfect for snorkellers, scuba divers and glass-bottom boat trips. North of Mombasa, Bamburi offers soft white sands and coral reefs, whilst Nyali Beach offers more peaceful sands, aquamarine waters and Africa's best wreck dive, ideal for more experienced divers. In the same region, Malindi has miles of idyllic sands and a superb offshore reef considered one of Kenya's finest.

Covering 104 square kilometres and home to a large variety of wildlife, the Samburu Game Reserve offers the opportunity to spot reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, elephant, Somali Ostrich, hippo, crocodile, buffalo, lion and hyena.

Part of the Aberdare Mountain Range, this park is fascinating. The mountain peaks soar to around 14,000 feet interspersed with valleys and streams. It is here that you may see the endangered Black Rhino along with elephant, giant forest hog and buffalo.

Set just north of the Masai Mara game reserve, this beautiful lake measures 40 square kilometres and offers a breathtaking spectacle - the sight of thousands of brightly-plumed lesser and greater flamingos massed like a pink army on its shores. The surrounding wetlands may also reveal black and white rhino, buffalo, leopard and zebra.

One of East Africa's best known game viewing areas, the Masai Mara Reserve's undulating hills and grassy plains are home to a huge variety of animals. Here, you're likely to see prides of lion, cheetah, leopard, and hippo in the River Mara. You may also glimpse crocodile, elephant, giraffe and herds of wild antelope feeding on the wide-open terrain. Between July-September there is even the opportunity to see the massive migraion of the wildebeast.

Bisected by the main Nairobi-Mombasa highway, this massive national park serves up a feast of game spotting. Spread over 20,000 kilometres, it's famous for its huge herds of elephant, which are increasing in numbers. A highlight of the West Park is Mzima Springs, where you can spy hippo and crocodile from the secrecy of an underwater hide.

Called the 'Roof of Africa', this volcano stands over the border in Tanzania and towers to over 19,000 feet. With its snow-capped peak soaring into velvet blue skies, it's one of the most photographed and awe-inspiring sights on earth.

Set at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is a vast area supporting an array of wildlife. A visit here will reward you with sights of grey elephant, cheetah lazing on salt flats and herds of zebra and wildebeast. Keep the camera ready: the imposing backdrop of Kilimanjaro will make for somemagnificent photographs.

Mount Kenya is Africa's second highest mountain standing at over 17,000 feet. It supports rainforests, moorlands of lobelia and heather and is home to elephant, buffalo, antelope and monkeys. The mountain forms part of the central highlands that are home to the Kikuyu people and provides rich, fertile soil and a good climate.

The highest lake in the Rift Valley and often thought one of the most beautiful, Lake Naivasha is renowned for its birdlife. It is home to pink-backed pelican and also a large number of hippo. As an African safari holiday is very different from simply relaxing on the beach, we have put together a few top tips to help you understand what to expect and what to take with you.